Farm Animal: Friend or Foe

Though seven states have passed legislation to phase out common industry practices that confine farm animals in a manner that does not allow them to turn around freely, lie down, stand up and fully extend their limbs, AWI remains concerned that these laws will not actually end the use of cages and crates. Nevertheless, industrial agriculture is reacting and in November 2009 passed "Issue 2" in Ohio which creates an industry-dominated Livestock Care Standards Board to maintain the cruel status quo. Furthermore, the ballot language was intentionally misleading to deceive unsuspecting voters into believing it was a pro-animal initiative. Advocates for farm animals must clearly call for an end to the use of cages and crates as well as individual and indoor confinement.